We all want to remain fit and energetic as we grow older, but when does weight loss become a concern for older adults? Rapid, unintentional weight loss in an aging loved one could indicate a major health issue. Find out more about the reasons why your loved ones lose weight suddenly and the measures our assisted living facility in Metairie, LA, follows to keep your family members healthy.
Common Reasons for Rapid Weight Loss in Seniors
Although the reason for weight loss in older adults is not always known, it may be a symptom of an underlying medical issue. If a loved one is losing weight quickly, don’t disregard it. Here are some of the common causes of abrupt weight loss in the elderly:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia
- Depression
- Hyperthyroidism
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Adverse implications of taking several medications
- Restricted mobility
- Low food intake as a result of dental problems
- Alcoholism
- Social isolation
How to Treat Sudden Weight Loss in Older Adults?
Even though older adults often lose weight unintentionally, there are measures we take at our facilities to stop sudden weight loss and keep residents’ weights healthy as they age.
Monitor Weight Regularly
Our assisted living community routinely checks residents’ weight and vital signs once a month. If the resident’s weight is an issue when they move in, our team members will check their weight on a regular basis, once a week or more. Significant changes in weight or eating habits are unlikely to go undetected because our team tends to form close relationships with residents.
Track Moods
Depression and other mood disorders can lead to reduced appetite, which then results in weight loss. Weight loss may occur if your loved one is lonely, sad, depressed, or mourning the death of a family member, spouse, or close friend. If we suspect any of our residents may have a mood condition, we schedule a consultation with our on-staff mental health specialist for additional assessment and treatment.
Special Diet Programs
We keep a meal journal, which will enable us to accurately depict a resident’s calorie consumption and the timeframe of weight loss. Additionally, we will collaborate with the residents and their families to create specialized meal plans that will assist the residents in controlling their weight and boosting their overall health.
Encourage Physical Activities
We motivate our residents to participate in our comprehensive and fully-inclusive exercise programs, which are created to meet their individual needs. They can take part in activities like a brisk walk around the park, stretching, swimming, gardening, or practicing yoga in the mornings or evenings. Regular exercise will increase appetites, improve bone strength, and boost your loved one’s immunity.
Proper Hydration
We ensure that residents keep hydrated by consuming at least 2000–2500 ml of water per day, either by drinking or through meals that are naturally high in water, such as fruits and vegetables. We purposefully set a cup or water bottle next to their bed to remind them to hydrate.
If you are concerned about your loved one’s health and ability to live on their own, it may be time to think about moving them to an assisted living community. Get in touch with us today for more information!
